For pediatric beta blocker poisoning (base hospital order only), what is the glucagon dose and route?

For pediatric beta blocker poisoning (base hospital order only), what is the glucagon dose and route?

• A. 1 mg IV/IO
• B. 0.03 mg/kg IM/IN
• C. 0.03 mg/kg IV/IO
• D. 1 mg IM/SC/IN

Answer: (C)

In beta-blocker poisoning, glucagon is used because it activates glucagon receptors to raise intracellular cAMP in heart muscle, bypassing blocked beta receptors and improving heart rate and contractility. For pediatric patients, the recommended dose is 0.03 mg/kg given IV or IO, providing a rapid, reliable effect in a toxic event. Using the IV/IO route ensures quick onset and predictable absorption, which is crucial in unstable children; intramuscular or intranasal routes can be slower and more variable. Therefore, the correct approach is a weight-based 0.03 mg/kg dose administered IV or IO.

In beta-blocker poisoning, glucagon is used because it activates glucagon receptors to raise intracellular cAMP in heart muscle, bypassing blocked beta receptors and improving heart rate and contractility. For pediatric patients, the recommended dose is 0.03 mg/kg given IV or IO, providing a rapid, reliable effect in a toxic event. Using the IV/IO route ensures quick onset and predictable absorption, which is crucial in unstable children; intramuscular or intranasal routes can be slower and more variable. Therefore, the correct approach is a weight-based 0.03 mg/kg dose administered IV or IO.